happy trackball doesn’t spin well

[tony.silveira]

it’s always seemed a bit stiff and comes to a dead stop way to fast or at least it seems to me it does.

ivdctried cleaning and checking to make surd it’s not running anywhere.  any thoughts guys?

[Xiaou2]

Whats a "Happy Trackball"  ??   You mean "Happs"  ??

 If the rollers are not worn (rounded center)... then its the bearings.

 Take each bearing out, and spin them between your finger, to see how long they will spin for.

 If the bearings are dirty, or if they are too worn down... they will stop quickly.

 Spray "Electronics cleaner" on the top of the bearing... and wait for it to sink in for a moment.  Then free-spin it about 60 seconds.
Repeat the same process at least three times... to flush out any dust / dirt..etc... out of the bearing.

 +90% Rubbing Alcohol might work... but since it still contains some water content... Its better not to use it.  Electronics Cleaner isnt that
expensive, and can be found at Automotive parts stores easily.

 If the bearing spins freely... Use a very light oil, like  "3 in 1" oil... and drop a few drops on the top of the bearing.. and spin it for another 60 seconds.

 If the bearing still doesnt spin well... use finger pressure, to see if you can feel grinding when slowly turning the bearing.  If you do, its
probably something caught in there.. OR.. its internal Rust / Corrosion.   Or the bearing races have been dented, worn... or the Balls have
suffered too much wear.

 Tip: Dont be a fool, thinking you can soak dirty bearings in WD40.  I did that once, with rollerblade bearings, and it ruined them.


 Basically, if cleaning the bearings (and rollers) doesnt work... then the bearings need to be replaced.

 If the Rollers are worn, the ball will not sit at the proper height and angles... so they will need to be replaced.


 When putting it back together... put a small amount of oil on the part of the rollers, that goes into the bearings.


 The trackball itself, might also be dirty.  Clean it well, and check for surface damage / heavy scratches.  If its too scratched
up, that too, will effect how long it will spin.

 After trackball is cleaned well with rubbing alcohol..  polish it with "F21".  Its similar to armor-all, but contains Urethane in it.
It will help fill in small scratch pits, make the ball glossy and smooth, and even protect against UV light damage.  It polish the
metal rollers with it too... on the part of the rollers where the ball contacts with it.

 Finally, check the trackball housing for dust and greasy hand-grime... which may be hanging on near the top of the hole.


 Note:  If its a Cheap Plastic generic... it might not even have ball-bearings... and cleaning might not really solve the issue for
long... due to the fact that they are made to fail / Not designed to last.  The inner parts wear down, and once it gets to a certain
level or wear... it will never operate decently, ever again.